Tottenham draw up four-man managerial shortlist to replace Antonio Conte… so is Mauricio Pochettino returning?
TOTTENHAM are reportedly drawing up a managerial shortlist as they consider life after Antonio Conte.
The under-fire Spurs boss has grown increasingly unpopular among fans with boos meeting last night’s toothless Champions League exit.
But Conte has also had problems of his own to deal with, including health struggles and grief.
His contract is up at the end of the season and the 53-year-old looks unlikely to sign a new one.
Some names are already emerging in director of football Fabio Paratici’s search for a new manager, according to the Athletic.
But former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is not believed to be among an initial four-man shortlist drawn up, with reports suggesting there is tension between himself and Paratici.
This is despite many Tottenham fans keen for a return of the Argentine coach, who was in charge for five years and took the Londoners to the Champions League final in 2019.
With Pochettino seemingly not in the running for now, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is believed to be among the favourites for the role.
The 52-year-old has been out of a job since leaving his role as Spain manager following their disappointing World Cup.
Enrique’s previous club job was Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, with the Spaniard winning the treble in his first season.
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Also on the list is Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian won the 2021-22 Europa League with the German side and is highly-rated on the continent.
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is also reported as being among the early frontrunners.
Spurs fans have already come across the 38-year-old coach twice this season, with Sporting recording a win and a draw over Tottenham in the Champions League group stages.
Paratici is also a big admirer of Amorim’s work, which includes leading Sporting to their first Portuguese title in 19 years two seasons ago.
The last name of the initial shortlist is believed to be Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti.
The experienced Italian has been a manager since 1994 and spent most of his career in Italy, managing huge clubs like Roma and Inter Milan.
But his stock has never been higher with Napoli storming towards their first league title since 1990 in stunning fashion.